Bohemians players Cian Byrne and Jordan Flores are confident ahead of the club's UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie against FC Midtjylland. Speaking to reporters this week, the duo outlined their belief and preparation for the first leg at Tallaght Stadium on Thursday.
Defender Cian Byrne insists the team will not change its approach despite the step up in opposition. He said the focus is on executing their own game plan rather than being overawed by the occasion. "You can't approach it too much like you're the underdogs, you have to kind of stick to what you usually do," Byrne told reporters. The squad's belief is built on their successful navigation of the first two qualifying rounds, including a dramatic penalty shootout win over Ballkani.
Midfielder Jordan Flores echoed that self-assurance, dismissing labels of favourites and underdogs. He pointed to the quality within the squad and their European experience so far as reasons for optimism. "We want to go and attack the game. Obviously, we have to pay them massive respect." Flores said. The team's current form and morale can be tracked on our stats page.
Byrne explained that preparation has involved extensive video analysis of the Danish side, a different process to facing familiar League of Ireland opponents. "With Midtjylland, we've been doing a lot of clips..." he said. This detailed work is aimed at identifying areas where Bohs can exploit their opponents while nullifying their threats.
The team has also worked specifically on set-pieces and penalties, with Byrne highlighting that their perfect shootout record against Ballkani was no accident. "It was massive. We worked on penalties. It's not only luck," he stated. This careful preparation under manager Alan Reynolds will be tested against a Midtjylland side featuring several top internationals. The full squad available for selection is listed on our site.
Thursday's first leg will be held at Tallaght Stadium because Dalymount Park does not currently meet UEFA requirements. Both players expressed disappointment at not playing in Phibsborough but are confident their supporters will create a strong atmosphere in Tallaght. "I actually think being in Tallaght, we'll be able to get more Bohs fans there," Byrne said, praising the travelling support throughout the European campaign.
Flores admitted it was a shame not to be at their traditional home but expects a packed venue. "But I know we're going to sell a lot of tickets for Tallaght, it's going to be packed out and the atmosphere is going to be there," he said. The club's European run has injected a positive feeling around Bohemians, with Flores noting the fans have been brilliant.
The immediate focus is on securing a positive result in the first leg to take to Denmark for the return match next week. Progressing past Midtjylland would see Bohemians reach the playoff round, just one step from the Conference League group stage. This European adventure has already been a significant achievement for the club, providing valuable experience and raising the profile of the team.
Regardless of the outcome over the two legs, the run has demonstrated the squad's capability and strengthened the bond between the players and their supporters. The club will look to carry this momentum into their domestic campaign, where they currently sit in the upper half of the League of Ireland Premier Division table.
